August 2003

August 15th

With the onset of hot and dry late summer conditions, wildfire season is in full swing throughout the vast range areas of the intermountain west. A multi-state team of scientists is working to reduce the fire danger by studying ways to reintroduce native plant species on these lands.

The Oregon State University Extension Service is co-sponsoring a 2-day conference, “Mold in Buildings: Prevention, Assessment and Resolution,” September 17 and 18 in Portland, Oregon at the Airport Holiday Inn. Registration for the 2-day conference is $95. Professional continuing education credits (CEC) will be available. For more information on CECs, call Ann at 1-800-424-4372, ext. 25. For a registration form and more information, call Margaret at the American Lung Association of Oregon, 503-924-4094, ext.18.

For the 22nd year, the College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University is inviting artists to create and submit art inspired by agriculture or natural resources practice, culture, economy or science for its annual fine art competition and exhibition, "Art About Agriculture" Tour 2004. Contact info. Deadline: Dec. 2, 2003.

The Food Innovation Center (FIC) opened four years ago on Naito Parkway near the Portland, Oregon Union Station as a public service program of Oregon State University and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). The Center has laboratories, testing facilities and product development studios to find solutions for Oregon farmers, food processors, distributors and retailers.

The OSU Extension Service has published a new guide to the Pacific Northwest’s most dominant or potentially invasive weeds. “Invasive Weed Identification and Management (Pacific Northwest’s Least Wanted List”) is a 44-page guide that provides color photos of more than 40 species of PNW weeds. It lists identifying characteristics, origin, habitat, and ecology and gives several choices for control strategies, including physical removal, biological control, burning and herbicides.

August 1st

The Oregon State University Extension Well Water Program is offering free well water screening for nitrate at the Lane County Fair. The testing will be at the Watershed Councils booth in the Wheeler Pavilion, everyday of the fair (August 12 – 17) from 2 to 6:00 p.m.